Gabriel Micheli
1/9/13
Period: 3
Dear Emperor Daoguang,
In response to your Commissioner Lin Zixu’s letter of advice for me, I write a letter of my own concerning his ludicrous statements. As Queen of England it is my sole responsibility to defend the people of my empire and inform the world that we are not a race of greed nor self-indulgence. I do not tolerate nonsense and we have a sound trade relationship that I can’t fathom why the Chinese want to tarnish it.
Your passive-aggressive belief that England has “enjoyed” its benefits of trade for two-hundred years is insulting. Your minds are so clouded with the excessive pride for your country that when you see an even more successful empire you assume we cheat are deals. Our equal trading system is something we view with great admiration and we won’t negotiate with the naïve.
With regards to the Opium ordeal, the British can’t help it if your people are not strong enough to ignore the drug. I don’t see how the people of your country’s health are Britain’s responsibility. Perhaps the Chinese addicts are not using opium correctly. We can’t help it if your people abuse a medicinal treatment. To assume that these British opium traders are “seducing the Chinese people” to only profit themselves is an immature way of thinking. People are not forced to smoke opium it all lies in the abusers hands. You should focus on the people of your own countries self-control rather than blaming it on the people of another country.
I understand that your country’s overwhelming drug addiction is a personal struggle considering it took the life of your son. However if you truly believe your only concern is the people of your country’s well-being then if I was emperor I would focus on ONLY the people of your country. We do not accept your “advice” and Britain will sustain without it.
In conclusion I do not take kindly to Lin Zixu’s threats. As queen of England, I will politely decline your efforts to help. Opium will continue to drive your people to addiction and there isn’t a thing we can or will do about it. Your negotiations will go ignored and we will continue with future business.
Sincerely, Queen Victoria
1/9/13
Period: 3
Dear Emperor Daoguang,
In response to your Commissioner Lin Zixu’s letter of advice for me, I write a letter of my own concerning his ludicrous statements. As Queen of England it is my sole responsibility to defend the people of my empire and inform the world that we are not a race of greed nor self-indulgence. I do not tolerate nonsense and we have a sound trade relationship that I can’t fathom why the Chinese want to tarnish it.
Your passive-aggressive belief that England has “enjoyed” its benefits of trade for two-hundred years is insulting. Your minds are so clouded with the excessive pride for your country that when you see an even more successful empire you assume we cheat are deals. Our equal trading system is something we view with great admiration and we won’t negotiate with the naïve.
With regards to the Opium ordeal, the British can’t help it if your people are not strong enough to ignore the drug. I don’t see how the people of your country’s health are Britain’s responsibility. Perhaps the Chinese addicts are not using opium correctly. We can’t help it if your people abuse a medicinal treatment. To assume that these British opium traders are “seducing the Chinese people” to only profit themselves is an immature way of thinking. People are not forced to smoke opium it all lies in the abusers hands. You should focus on the people of your own countries self-control rather than blaming it on the people of another country.
I understand that your country’s overwhelming drug addiction is a personal struggle considering it took the life of your son. However if you truly believe your only concern is the people of your country’s well-being then if I was emperor I would focus on ONLY the people of your country. We do not accept your “advice” and Britain will sustain without it.
In conclusion I do not take kindly to Lin Zixu’s threats. As queen of England, I will politely decline your efforts to help. Opium will continue to drive your people to addiction and there isn’t a thing we can or will do about it. Your negotiations will go ignored and we will continue with future business.
Sincerely,
Queen Victoria